Photography

Where are you looking for your photographer? I would check local Facebook postings. You may be able to find an up-and-coming photographer for a lower price.

Is there anywhere else in your budget that you can cut from if you do decide to splurge on your photographer? Our top priorities were catering and photography, so I would typically vouch for spending a little more money for a great photographer, but if you can't afford it, you can't afford it.

Of everything you pay for in the wedding, the photos are something you'll have forever.. So definitely spend enough to get the style that you're looking for.

I went back and forth on this... I ended up booking through Lily & Lime (affordable & great reviews), so fingers crossed!

I agree with other posters, if you can afford to splurge a bit, do it. Photos are the only thing you'll have to look back on later, and a good photographer can capture some great shots to show you things you were too busy to notice day of. Finding other places to cut spending to spend more on a photographer is my recommendation. I know people who didn't spend money on a good photographer and really regretted it later.

I'm not sure where you're posting from or what your budget is, but if you've already established one, I would try your best to stick within that range. As PPs have mentioned, check your local Facebook groups, search photographers on here, etc. If that doesn't work, try expanding your radius before your expand your budget. Some photographers are willing to travel and might not be as expensive as your local ones are

This was our splurge. We’re spending about $1,000 more than I wanted to. My parents are divorced and don’t even like each other, but my dad still regrets not having better pictures of their wedding. Don’t go into debt over it, but it’s worth rearranging the budget if possible.

Photography is one of my splurges because the photos are what you will have forever, almost everything else will just be enjoyed the day of. However, some of the photographers I love are still WAY out of budget, so I'm balancing cost and quality as best I can. If there are other places you can cut to stay within your budget and give yourself a little more money for photography, you can try that. I wouldn't even bother spending the money on a photographer whose pictures I hate and think are horrible, because chances are you won't like the way your pictures turn out either and if you don't look at them because you hate them it's a waste.

I've noticed a lot of the vendors on here are more expensive than if I found some on my own. Ask around in local FB groups -they are always full of suggestions. I'd rather splurge a little on pictures because at the end of the day, that's how the memories will be captured. Cost depends a lot on where you live as well. I was able to get engagement session (with about 30 edited pictures to print or use however) plus 2 photographers for 8 hours the day of my wedding for $1,100.

I would continue to look around for photographers. I actually found mine on this site from another bride in my area! Most of the photographers I saw in my area were between $2400-$3400 (which was out of my budget). Luckily I saw another brides engagement photos and commented how beautiful they were and how I'm having the hardest time finding a photographer in the Hampton Roads area, and weird enough she was also in the Hampton Roads area and gave me the number for her photographer who gave me an AMAZING deal for both the wedding and engagement photos! Keep looking around on different site, bridal shows and google! GOOD LUCK!

We splurged on our photographer! So I agree with PP, also try searching hashtags on Instagram like “nyweddingphotographer” obviously customize it to wherever you are searching and surrounding areas! Good luck!!

Look on instagram! A lot of upcoming photographers will tag #statebride or #statephotographer etc. This can be a great way of finding photographers who may not advertise on here or other sites. You can usually find some up & coming photographers. To me, this is something NOT to skimp on. I have had several friends get married and use a budget photographer. They HATE their photos.

Standard photography packages in my area cost more than I wanted to spend . The compromise *i* found was not quality, but instead — time! I found a great photographer , but instead of spending for the full day package, I asked about the potential of partial day services, specifically ceremony, and portraits (couple, wedding party, family etc). Don’t be shy to ask. I found a few photographers I was interested in, and asked for the above. Some didn’t even bother responding— and I do get that not everyone would go for this on a day when they easily *could* book for a full day and all the money. But, my photographer was in! It wasn’t even something she had done before, but she was willing, and we kind of felt it out together. I ended up buying in for some pre-ceremony photos (getting ready & such) and I’m glad that I did as they’re lovely candids. This compromise worked out perfectly for me. I have some awesome pictures. Not of the full event, but , plenty for me!

Check out GEORGE Street. They pair you up with options of local photographers. You choose your style. They link you to the appropriate options. You choose who youd like. Look for online deals. We got a 2 man team for the entire wedding, edited photos, an engagement shoot, a finished book, and an online assistant to help out.... for $2100. You could even step down to a one man operation. Check it out for sure. I was hesitant at first but the engagement photos are done and are incredible. So far, super impressed.

Consider getting a more expensive one at a reasonable price by only booking for a 1-2 hour session.

You might want to check the Professional Photographers of America website. Also, google freelance photographers in your area.

We found ours for $1100 8 hours of coverage by using Facebook groups, asking around, finding venues near you and researching their photographers via instagram.

The cheapest one I found on my own was Classic Photographers, and my sister ultimately helped me find the $1100 one, with a $300 charge for a 2nd shooter. Definitely worth it!

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Oh thank you! thats a good idea!

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I keep looking around for someone less than 2k and cant find anyone im starting to get discouraged

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OH good idea! Thank you!